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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2012-01-05 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES January 5, 2012 PRESENT: Joan Hernandez, Mellody Matthes, Charlie Penor, Verna Seal ABSENT: Mary Hulvey, Brenna Arnesen, Aaron Draganov, Kathleen Gantz, Carolyn Barge STAFF: Joyce Trantina GUESTS: Alexandra Blum, Heidi Evans (Americorps Volunteers, working with Somali Community Services Coalition. Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. The Minutes of the December 1, 2011 meeting were approved as submitted. (Recommendation by Joan Hernandez, seconded by Verna Seal). NEW BUSINESS The group shared information regarding upcoming events: Global to Local Open House and Short Program (Wednesday, January 19th) and the Racial Equity Conference (Friday, January 20th). The Racial Equity Conference has a fee of $50, but members agreed that for those who are able/interested in attending, the conference fee would be covered out of the 2012 Equity and Diversity budget. Members who are interested in attending should contact Joyce by end of day, January 13th GUEST PRESENTATION Alexandra Blum and Heidi Evans shared information about a youth leadership program they are developing for school aged students, starting in February/March of this year. The goal of the program is to assist participants in developing skills as leaders and active members of their community while providing a safe place for the exploration and expression of their bicultural identity. There is currently no youth programming for older students, other than the after school tutoring program. Although the leadership program will be largely youth led, the group is hoping that during the second half of the program, students will either engage in a service - learning project, or create projects of self-expression. Equity and Diversity Commission January 5, 2012 Minutes Page 2 The Somali Community Services Coalition has submitted a grant request to the Commission, requesting $2,000 for art supplies and other materials in support of the program. The grant request does not specify types of materials needed, but is very broad in nature (dependent on the instructors, etc. who often prefer very specific types of materials, depending on the project). Unfortunately, this means an in-kind contribution (notebooks, paint, etc.) is probably not a good fit at this time. The group discussed other funding options (Nate Robinson's teen program at the Tukwila Community Center; the Tukwila Children's Foundation — Verna Seal is on the Board). Joan explained that the limited funds for the year, would likely result in a much smaller than requested grant amount. She also shared that the Commission has approved several similar grants in previous years, with an expectation that representatives from SCSC would attend Commission meetings, and be more involved with this group — one of the caveats outlined on the grant request form, but unfortunately that has not occurred in the past. The group thanked the ladies for their presentation and also suggested that they think about extending an invitation to Commission members to cultural events, as a way to help us learn more about the work being done in this area. Joyce will follow up with the members of the Commission to determine if the grant will be approved and if so, for what amount. MISC. Aaron provided additional information regarding the cost of magnets and indicated that Costco and Minute Man Press can provide the magnets at a cost of approximately $3.00 each. Office Depot cost was around $4.00. We can print the magnets ourselves for around $1.25 each. Verna suggested that Joyce also check with Kathy Hougardy and Brenna Arnesen who may have some resources in this area. (marketing materials) Joyce advised the group that Parks and Recreation will be changing the format for the Cultural and Heritage event (held in August last year). This year, the event will be held in September at Foster High School, and focus primarily on cultural awareness, with information booths, food, and entertainment. This will be an excellent opportunity for the Commission to get more exposure in the community, and share information. Meeting adjourned at 6:30p.m. ON IIIIIIIIIXT IIM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITIII PI Ci III'IFBI'° IL.,II II°' °"i 2, 2012